Dreamy Low-Fat Fettuccine Alfredo

"It's a shame that alfredo is, for most people an occasional indulgence. Now, with this recipe cutting gobs of fat and cheese, it makes a great candidate for weeknight cooking. You'll be surprised that the trick is using a butter and flour roux to provide the same mouth feel as thickened heavy cream. To help speed up this recipe, prepare the sauce while bringing the water to a boil."
 
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photo by mums the word photo by mums the word
photo by mums the word
Ready In:
20mins
Ingredients:
9
Serves:
4
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ingredients

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directions

  • Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. I sometimes use a ladle, fill each of four serving bowls with about 1/2 boiling water and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until foaming. Whisk in the flour until mixture is smooth and golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk, half-and-half, garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, pepper and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sauce is slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Discard garlic, stir in Parmesan and remove from heat.
  • Stir pasta and remaining salt into the boiling water and cook, stirring constantly, until al dente, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.
  • Return sauce to low heat, add 1/3 cup pasta water and the cooked pasta. Toss until evenly coated. Cook until sauce has thickened slightly, about 1 minute. Add more water as needed to thin sauce to desired consistency and adjust seasonings.
  • Working quickly, empty the water from the warmed bowls and fill with pasta. Serve immediately.

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Reviews

  1. This recipe rocks my world. I have tried several low fat fettucine recipes that all leave something to be desired. I made this using 1/2 cup 1% milk and 1/2 cup fat free half and half (trader joe's.) I didnt have garlic cloves at home so I used garlic powder. I upped the butter just a smidgen. It was really really good and I'll definitely be making this again and again. I served it over spinach fetuccine (fresh made) and it was better than any restuarant version (less guilt too!) Thanks so much!
     
  2. Thankyou so much for this recipe! I can't begin to tell you what a reduced guilt Alfredo means as a treat to us! :) I added slightly undercooked shrimp and cooked chicken breast to the sauce at the end. What a great baseline recipe, I won't be looking for another! Also try my fave variation, melt some blue cheese into the sauce as written, then add steamed asparagus cut in 1 inch pieces, and some cubed toupie ham for the last minute. Delish!
     
  3. I am not a fan of fettucine alfredo, its too rich, my family does though. This was the perfect compromise, we all loved it. I sauteed some broccoli, onions, asparagus , and peppers and added it as well as some cooked chicken. Fast easy delicious meal. Thanks!
     
  4. This recipe was fantastic and will go into the "keeper" file! My daughter asked for fettuccine alfredo for dinner and I cringed as the tried and true recipe in my files is loaded with bad stuff. I remembered saving this one to my list of things to try so I pulled it out and gave it a whirl. I didn't have any heavy cream or half and half on hand, so rather than running to the store I upped the butter/flour roux amounts just a bit and used all 2% milk. I also added a bit of parsley just because I like the color it adds. Great recipe, will use it again!
     
  5. I made this last night for some friends. I made a few slight changes though and it was a HIT! <br/>I used a 1/2 cup of 2% milk and 1/2 cup of fat free half and half. I also added a bit of low fat cream cheese to thicken it up just a little since my rue wasn't really working. Cheating? Yes. <br/><br/>The main thing was that it was delicious! We also baked chicken breast in some OJ, lemon juice and olive oils. Peppered it up and added a hint of salt. <br/><br/>All in all it was a delicious meal that took 2 minutes to make (except of course baking the chicken) and cost less than $30 for four of us. Budget conscious AND healthy! Great combo! Will be making again.
     
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

I don't think there's anything better than spending time with family and friends and enjoying delicious food together. I just love food. I love reading about food, writing about food, cooking food and.. not surprisingly, eating food. My latest passion is food-photography! I'm still learning a lot, but I'm trying to post photos with all my recipes and reviews. I read recipe books, magazines and food blogs like novels. I get such satisfaction when someone enjoys a meal or dessert that I have prepared. It is the biggest compliment to me when my family and friends rave about my cooking. There are so many terrific recipes on this site. If I'm looking for something, I'm sure to find it here. I do have stacks of my own favorite recipes which I am slowly but surely getting in my cookbooks here . I have had so many awesome reviews and fabulous photos taken of my recipes... I try to thank everyone personally .. I sincerely appreciate each and every review and or comment left. I know it takes time to photograph and upload photos - So I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for finding and trying my recipes and taking the extra effort...
 
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